Monroe Park Palo Alto, California
Renovated
2020
Price
$$
Rated for
Design Classic LocalOutside the door
Tropical lagoon bolthole
Lush botanical gardens, koi ponds, and global artifacts replace the expected tech-corridor polish along El Camino Real.
What it’s good at
Notable
Robert Royston's landscape architecture threads koi lagoons beneath Japanese footbridges.
Notable
Family-run since 1957, serving signature fried chicken from the original roadside shack.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
The southern stretch of El Camino Real puts Stanford University and Silicon Valley tech campuses minutes away.
The rooms
Lagoon Rooms open directly onto koi waterways, furnished with eclectic global artifacts and custom woodwork.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The heated outdoor pool curves through palms and garden greenery, bordered by cushioned loungers and patio umbrellas.
The gym
French doors open into the fitness center, equipped with cardio machines, free weights, and yoga mats.
At the table
Dinah's Poolside Restaurant serves California fare beside the water, and THE SEA prepares sustainable seafood and steak for dinner.
How it began
Founded by Raymond and Milla Handley in 1957, the property grew around a 1920s roadside restaurant.
Good to know
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Dinah's Garden Hotel
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.